New York, NY (Sports Network) - David Lee recorded his 31st double-double of the season, as the Knicks spoiled the debut of Grizzlies interim head coach Johnny Davis with a 108-88 thrashing of Memphis at Madison Square Garden.
The Grizzlies fired Marc Iavaroni, who was in just his second season with the club, late Thursday night. Iavaroni compiled a record of just 33-90 during his brief tenure. The Grizzlies were 22-60 in his first year and failed to show improvement this season, posting a record of just 11-30.
Lee, whose 31 double-doubles tie him with Orlando's Dwight Howard for the league lead, ended with 19 points and 14 rebounds for the Knicks, who tied a season-high with three straight wins. Al Harrington and Nate Robinson both tallied 16 points in the win.
Danilo Gallinari set a career-high with 11 points for New York.
Rudy Gay chipped in 20 points and nine boards for the Grizzlies, who have now lost eight straight contests. Mike Conley logged 18 points and went 4-of-5 from three-point range in the process.
The visitors led 30-27 after the first quarter, though it was a short-lived advantage as the Knicks came to life over the second 12 minutes.
Memphis led by as many as 22-7 in the opening frame, but New York outscored its counterpart 49-23 the rest of the half en route to a 56-45 cushion at the break. Harrington poured in 14 points in the second stanza.
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Gay's jumper and a pair of long-range shots from O.J. Mayo cut it to 65-59 with just over five minutes left in the third period.
Robinson answered with a three and Lee had a putback layup to balloon New York's lead back up to double digits, at 70-59.
The Grizzlies trailed 72-62 heading into the fourth quarter.
Gallinari's jumper and two free throws gave the home team a 81-67 edge with nine minutes left.
The Knicks led by as many as 21 points and cruised down the stretch.
